Illinois lawmakers work to ban the synthetic store-bought drug that's similar to methamphetamine or Ecstasy

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Illinois lawmakers are pushing to ban a new store-bought drug that users take to get a similar high as methamphetamine or Ecstasy.

The drug is marketed as bath salts but is nothing like the product someone uses to relax in a tub.

Up in Smoke: Illinois' Biggest Drug Busts

Users usually smoke or snort the substance sold in small packets containing the methylenedioxypyrovalerone, or MDPV. The Chicago Tribune reports the synthetic drug is sold at some liquor stores, tobacco shops and novelty stores throughout the state for $40-$60 a gram.

The drug captured Illinois lawmakers' attention after a surge in MDPV-related deaths across the country.

Ten states, including Michigan, Kentucky, Florida and Louisiana, have passed legislation or used executive orders to outlaw the synthetic substances used to make the bath salts. Illinois and 24 other states have similar bans pending.

Published at 7:35 AM CDT on May 13, 2011 | Updated at 8:21 AM CDT on May 13, 2011